Pinot Noir Les Saintes Claires AC 2022

Tasting note

Domaine Albert Mann is the union of two great winegrowing families: the Mann family, who have been growing grapes since the beginning of the 17th century, and the Barthelmé family, the current owners, who have been active in viticulture since 1654. Situated in Wettolsheim on the Alsace Wine Route, each plot of the 25-hectare estate is individually cultivated according to organic and biodynamic principles.

The Pinot Noir Les Saintes Claires grows just 50 metres from the convent of the Poor Clares on chalky soils. The average age of the vines is 20 years.

Color:

Dark ruby red with black core.

Nose:

Monolithic figure, taciturn, long frock, no recognisable facial features at first. After 20 minutes in the decanter, increasingly talkative. Dark aromas, undergrowth, summer truffles, dark spices, juniper, allspice, a little clove, then white pepper, a little cedar, followed by a turn to balsamic. Herbs such as laurel and thyme in the top note, then the first fruit like a smile. Blackberry, small raspberries and mulberries as well as redcurrants and griottines are rich in extract and dark. Still not a talker, but has a lot to say.

Mouth:

Instead of chatting, it's the physicality that counts, and it's impeccable here. Powerful, dense and gripping, it hits you right in the face. Powerful on the palate with a fleshy, firm, contoured tannin corset and tightly woven, polished tannins. The fresh acidity radiates ethereal coolness as if through a gap in the curtain, immediately illuminating the palate and bathing it in dark ruby colour. Persistent Pinot with fantastic, silky extraction and not an ounce of fat on the sinewy body.

Food pairing suggestions

• Beetroot carpaccio with raspberry vinegar and micro greens (Vegetable & Vegetarian)
• Soya-lacquered lentils in a star anise base (fish)
• Hungarian Pörkölt (meat)

Tasting notes and food recommendations from Sebastian Bordthäuser